The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) specifies the ethics and values of the profession in its Code of Ethics . This code, in essence, should serve as a central guide for the de
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) specifies the ethics and values of the profession in its Code of Ethics . This code, in essence, should serve as a central guide for the decisions social workers make in their practice and advocacy. Why, then, have there been divides—or schisms—among social workers in their approach to policy advocacy and action?
The section “Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics” (2021) on NASW’s website explains:
Reasonable differences of opinion can and do exist among social workers with respect to the ways in which values, ethical principles, and ethical standards should be rank ordered when they conflict. Ethical decision making in a given situation must apply the informed judgment of the individual social worker… In situations when conflicting obligations arise, social workers may be faced with complex ethical dilemmas that have no simple answers. Social workers should take into consideration all the values, principles, and standards in this Code that are relevant to any situation in which ethical judgment is warranted. Social workers' decisions and actions should be consistent with the spirit as well as the letter of this Code … Instances may arise when social workers' ethical obligations conflict with agency policies or relevant laws or regulations. When such conflicts occur, social workers must make a responsible effort to resolve the conflict in a manner that is consistent with the values, principles, and standards expressed in this Code . If a reasonable resolution of the conflict does not appear possible, social workers should seek proper consultation before making a decision.
The Code of Ethics recognizes the likelihood for conflicts to arise between ethical and moral practice in service of clients and the laws and policies that so often govern the ability for social workers to successfully implement their practice. Thus, it would benefit social workers to be engaged in social and political action to influence policy and legislation that ultimately impacts the quality of care their clients receive; however, there is little political activity among clinical social workers. Why? What barriers exist that prevent social workers from fulfilling this ethical obligation?
For this Discussion, you will consider the standard for social workers to engage in political action in their practices and explore the different perceptions of the responsibility for political action among social work professionals.
Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Cengage Learning. Chapter 1, “Joining a Tradition of Social Reform” (pp. 3–30)
